Methods and apparatus for monitoring and fixing holes in composite aircraft

ABSTRACT

Methods and apparatus are described for repairing a damaged area of an airplane fuselage made from fiber-reinforced composite material. In one embodiment, an intelligent patch is provided comprising a first electronic communication device to communicate information from at least one sensor regarding the presence of compression induced microfractures within the patch.

PRIORITY CLAIMED TO U.S. PROVISIONAL PATENT APPLICATIONS

Applicant claims priority for this application to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 61/959,292, filed on Aug. 19, 2013, that isentitled “Smart Patch for Fixing and Monitoring Holes in CompositeAircraft”, an entire copy of which is incorporated herein by reference.(PPA-C-3)

Applicant claims priority for this application to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 61/867,963, filed on Aug. 20, 2013, that isentitled “Smart Patch for Fixing and Monitoring Holes in CompositeAircraft—Redundant”, an entire copy of which is incorporated herein byreference. (PPA-C-3 Redundant)

Applicant claims priority for this application to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 61/849,585, filed on Jan. 29, 2013, that isentitled “Proposed Modifications of Main and APU Lithium-Ion BatteryAssemblies on the Boeing 787 to Prevent Fires: Add One Cell, EliminateGroundloops, and Monitor Each Cell with Optically Isolated Electronics”,an entire copy of which is incorporated herein by reference. (PPA-101)

Applicant claims priority for this application to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 61/850,095, filed on Feb. 9, 2013, that isentitled “Proposed Modifications of Main and APU Lithium-Ion BatteryAssemblies on the Boeing 787 to Prevent Fires: Add One Cell, EliminateGroundloops, and Monitor Each Cell with Optically IsolatedElectronics—Part 2”, an entire copy of which is incorporated herein byreference. (PPA-102)

Applicant claims priority for this application to U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application Ser. No. 61/850,774, filed on Feb. 22, 2013, that isentitled “Proposed Modifications of Main and APU Lithium-Ion BatteryAssemblies on the Boeing 787 to Prevent Fires: Add One Cell, EliminateGroundloops, and Monitor Each Cell with Optically IsolatedElectronics—Part 3”, an entire copy of which is incorporated herein byreference. (PPA-103)

Applicant also claims priority for this application to the U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/965,351, filed on Jan. 27,2014, that is entitled “Proposed Modifications of Main and APULithium-Ion Battery Assemblies on the Boeing 787 to Prevent Fires: AddOne Cell, Eliminate Groundloops, and Monitor Each Cell with OpticallyIsolated Electronics—Part 4”, an entire copy of which is incorporatedherein by reference. (PPA-104)

Each of the above U.S. Provisional Patent Applications have beenincorporated herein in their entirety by reference unless there is aconflict between the specification herein and that appearing in anyparticular U.S. Provisional Patent Application, such as the use oftrademarks, and in such case, the specification herein shall takeprecedence.

PARTICULARLY RELEVANT U. S. PROVISIONAL PATENT APPLICATIONS AND U.S.PATENT APPLICATIONS, THE ENTIRETY OF WHICH ARE INCORPORATED BY REFERENCE

The present application is related to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 61/270,709, filed Jul. 10, 2009, that is entitled“Methods and Apparatus to Prevent Failures of Fiber-Reinforced CompositeMaterials Under Compressive Stresses Caused by Fluids and Gases InvadingMicrofractures in the Materials”, an entire copy of which isincorporated herein by reference. (PPA-32)

The present application is related to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/396,518, filed on May 29, 2010, that is entitled“Letter to Boeing Management”, an entire copy of which is incorporatedherein by reference. (PPA-33)

The present application is related to U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/849,968, filed on Feb. 6, 2013, that is entitled“Additional Methods and Apparatus to Prevent Failures ofFiber-Reinforced Composite Materials Under Compressive Stresses Causedby Fluids and Gases Invading Microfractures in Materials”, an entirecopy of which is incorporated herein by reference. (PPA-34)

The present application is related to U.S. patent application Ser. No.12/804,039, filed on Jul. 12, 2010, that is entitled “Methods andApparatus to Prevent Failures of Fiber-Reinforced Composite MaterialsUnder Compressive Stresses Caused by Fluids and Gases InvadingMicrofractures in the Materials”, that is now U.S. Pat. No. 8,515,677,which issued on Aug. 20, 2013, an entire copy of which is incorporatedherein by reference. (Composite-1)

The present application is also related to co-pending U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 13/966,172, filed on Aug. 13, 2013, that isentitled “Methods and Apparatus to Prevent Failures of Fiber-ReinforcedComposite Materials Under Compressive Stresses Caused by Fluids andGases Invading Microfractures in the Materials”, an entire copy of whichis incorporated herein by reference. (Composite-2)

Co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/966,172 (Composite-2) isrelated to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/583,240, filed on Aug.17, 2009, that is entitled “High Power Umbilicals for SubterraneanElectric Drilling Machines and Remotely Operated Vehicles”, an entirecopy of which is incorporated herein by reference. Ser. No. 12/583,240was published on Dec. 17, 2009 having Publication Number US 2009/0308656A1, an entire copy of which is incorporated herein by reference. Ser.No. 12/583,240 issued as U.S. Pat. No. 8,353,348 B2 on Jan. 15, 2013, anentire copy of which is incorporated herein by reference. (Rig-5)

Ser. No. 12/583,240 is a continuation-in-part (C.I.P.) application ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/005,105, filed on Dec. 22, 2007,that is entitled “High Power Umbilicals for Electric Flowline ImmersionHeating of Produced Hydrocarbons”, an entire copy of which isincorporated herein by reference. Ser. No. 12/005,105 was published onJun. 26, 2008 having Publication Number US 2008/0149343 A1, an entirecopy of which is incorporated herein by reference. Ser. No. 12/005,105is now abandoned. (Rig-4)

Ser. No. 12/005,105 a continuation-in-part (C.I.P.) application of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 10/800,443, filed on Mar. 14, 2004, that isentitled “Substantially Neutrally Buoyant and Positively BuoyantElectrically Heated Flowlines for Production of Subsea Hydrocarbons”, anentire copy of which is incorporated herein by reference. Ser. No.10/800,443 was published on Dec. 9, 2004 having Publication Number US2004/0244982 A1, an entire copy of which is incorporated herein byreference. Ser. No. 10/800,443 issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,311,151 B2 onDec. 25, 2007. (Rig-3)

Ser. No. 10/800,443 claimed priority from U.S. Provisional PatentApplications No. 60/455,657, No. 60/504,359, No. 60/523,894, No.60/532,023, and No. 60/535,395, and an entire copy of each isincorporated herein by reference.

Ser. No. 10/800,443 is a continuation-in-part (C.I.P.) application ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/729,509, filed on Dec. 4, 2003, thatis entitled “High Power Umbilicals for Electric Flowline ImmersionHeating of Produced Hydrocarbons”, an entire copy of which isincorporated herein by reference. Ser. No. 10/729,509 was published onJul. 15, 2004 having the Publication Number US 2004/0134662 A1, anentire copy of which is incorporated herein by reference. Ser. No.10/729,509 issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,032,658 B2 on Apr. 25, 2006, anentire copy of which is incorporated herein by reference. (Rig-2)

Ser. No. 10/729,509 claimed priority from various Provisional PatentApplications, including Provisional Patent Application No. 60/432,045,and 60/448,191, and an entire copy of each is incorporated herein byreference.

Ser. No. 10/729,509 is a continuation-in-part (C.I.P) application ofU.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/223,025, filed Aug. 15, 2002, thatis entitled “High Power Umbilicals for Subterranean Electric DrillingMachines and Remotely Operated Vehicles”, an entire copy of which isincorporated herein by reference. Ser. No. 10/223,025 was published onFeb. 20, 2003, having Publication Number US 2003/0034177 A1, an entirecopy of which is incorporated herein by reference. Ser. No. 10/223,025issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,857,486 B2 on Feb. 22, 2005, an entire copy ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference. (Rig-1)

Co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/694,884, filed on Jan.15, 2013, that is entitled “Drilling Apparatus”, is acontinuation-in-part (C.I.P.) application of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 12/583,240. An entire copy of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/694,884 is incorporated herein by reference. (Rig-7)

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED U.S. APPLICATIONS

This application relates to Provisional Patent Application No.60/313,654 filed on Aug. 19, 2001, that is entitled “Smart ShuttleSystems”, an entire copy of which is incorporated herein by reference.

This application relates to Provisional Patent Application No.60/353,457 filed on Jan. 31, 2002, that is entitled “Additional SmartShuttle Systems”, an entire copy of which is incorporated herein byreference.

This application relates to Provisional Patent Application No.60/367,638 filed on Mar. 26, 2002, that is entitled “Smart ShuttleSystems and Drilling Systems”, an entire copy of which is incorporatedherein by reference.

This application relates to Provisional Patent Application No.60/384,964 filed on Jun. 3, 2002, that is entitled “Umbilicals for WellConveyance Systems and Additional Smart Shuttles and Related DrillingSystems”, an entire copy of which is incorporated herein by reference.

This application relates to Provisional Patent Application No.60/432,045, filed on Dec. 8, 2002, that is entitled “Pump Down CementFloat Valves for Casing Drilling, Pump Down Electrical Umbilicals, andSubterranean Electric Drilling Systems”, an entire copy of which isincorporated herein by reference.

This application relates to Provisional Patent Application No.60/448,191, filed on Feb. 18, 2003, that is entitled “Long ImmersionHeater Systems”, an entire copy of which is incorporated herein byreference.

This application relates to Provisional Patent Application No.60/455,657, filed on Mar. 18, 2003, that is entitled “Four SDCIApplication Notes Concerning Subsea Umbilicals and ConstructionSystems”, an entire copy of which is incorporated herein by reference.

This application relates to Provisional Patent Application No.60/504,359, filed on Sep. 20, 2003, that is entitled “AdditionalDisclosure on Long Immersion Heater Systems”, an entire copy of which isincorporated herein by reference.

This application relates to Provisional Patent Application No.60/523,894, filed on Nov. 20, 2003, that is entitled “More Disclosure onLong Immersion Heater Systems”, an entire copy of which is incorporatedherein by reference.

This application relates to Provisional Patent Application No.60/532,023, filed on Dec. 22, 2003, that is entitled “Neutrally BuoyantFlowlines for Subsea Oil and Gas Production”, an entire copy of which isincorporated herein by reference.

This application relates to Provisional Patent Application No.60/535,395, filed on Jan. 10, 2004, that is entitled “AdditionalDisclosure on Smart Shuttles and Subterranean Electric DrillingMachines”, an entire copy of which is incorporated herein by reference.

This application relates to Provisional Patent Application No.60/661,972, filed on Mar. 14, 2005, that is entitled “ElectricallyHeated Pumping Systems Disposed in Cased Wells, in Risers, and inFlowlines for Immersion Heating of Produced Hydrocarbons”, an entirecopy of which is incorporated herein by reference.

This application relates to Provisional Patent Application No.60/665,689, filed on Mar. 28, 2005, that is entitled “AutomatedMonitoring and Control of Electrically Heated Pumping Systems Disposedin Cased Wells, in Risers, and in Flowlines for Immersion Heating ofProduced Hydrocarbons”, an entire copy of which is incorporated hereinby reference.

This application relates to Provisional Patent Application No.60/669,940, filed on Apr. 9, 2005, that is entitled “Methods andApparatus to Enhance Performance of Smart Shuttles and WellLocomotives”, an entire copy of which is incorporated herein byreference.

This application relates to Provisional Patent Application No.60/761,183, filed on Jan. 23, 2006, that is entitled “Methods andApparatus to Pump Wirelines into Cased Wells Which Cause No ReverseFlow”, an entire copy of which is incorporated herein by reference.

This application relates to Provisional Patent Application No.60/794,647, filed on Apr. 24, 2006, that is entitled “Downhole DC to ACConverters to Power Downhole AC Electric Motors and Other Methods toSend Power Downhole”, an entire copy of which is incorporated herein byreference.

This application relates to Ser. No. 09/375,479, filed Aug. 16, 1999,having the title of “Smart Shuttles to Complete Oil and Gas Wells”, thatissued on Feb. 20, 2001, as U.S. Pat. No. 6,189,621 B1, an entire copyof which is incorporated herein by reference.

This application relates to Ser. No. 09/487,197, filed Jan. 19, 2000,having the title of “Closed-Loop System to Complete Oil and Gas Wells”,that issued on Jun. 4, 2002 as U.S. Pat. No. 6,397,946 B1, an entirecopy of which is incorporated herein by reference.

This application relates to application Ser. No. 10/162,302, filed Jun.4, 2002, having the title of “Closed-Loop Conveyance Systems for WellServicing”, that issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,868,906 B1 on Mar. 22, 2005,an entire copy of which is incorporated herein by reference.

This application relates to application Ser. No. 11/491,408, filed Jul.22, 2006, having the title of “Methods and Apparatus to ConveyElectrical Pumping Systems into Wellbores to Complete Oil and GasWells”, that issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,325,606 B1 on Feb. 5, 2008, anentire copy of which is incorporated herein by reference.

This application relates to application Ser. No. 12/012,822, filed Feb.5, 2008, having the title of “Methods and Apparatus to Convey ElectricalPumping Systems into Wellbores to Complete Oil and Gas Wells”, thatissued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,836,950 B2 on Nov. 23, 2010, an entire copy ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED FOREIGN APPLICATIONS

This application also relates to PCT Application Serial NumberPCT/US00/22095, filed Aug. 9, 2000, having the title of “Smart Shuttlesto Complete Oil and Gas Wells”, that has International PublicationNumber WO 01/12946 A1, that has International Publication Date of Feb.22, 2001, that issued as European Patent No. 1,210,498 B1 on Nov. 28,2007, an entire copy of which is incorporated herein by reference.

This application relates to PCT Patent Application Number PCT/US02/26066filed on Aug. 16, 2002, entitled “High Power Umbilicals for SubterraneanElectric Drilling Machines and Remotely Operated Vehicles”, that has theInternational Publication Number WO 03/016671 A2, that has InternationalPublication Date of Feb. 27, 2003, that issued as European Patent No.1,436,482 B1 on Apr. 18, 2007, an entire copy of which is incorporatedherein by reference.

This application relates to PCT Patent Application Number PCT/US03/38615filed on Dec. 5, 2003, entitled “High Power Umbilicals for ElectricFlowline Immersion Heating of Produced Hydrocarbons”, that has theInternational Publication Number WO 2004/053935 A2, that hasInternational Publication Date of Jun. 24, 2004, an entire copy of whichis incorporated herein by reference.

This application relates to PCT Patent Application NumberPCT/US2004/008292, filed on Mar. 17, 2004, entitled “SubstantiallyNeutrally Buoyant and Positively Buoyant Electrically Heated Flowlinesfor Production of Subsea hydrocarbons”, that has InternationalPublication Number WO 2004/083595 A2 that has International PublicationDate of Sep. 30, 2004, an entire copy of which is incorporated herein byreference.

RELATED U.S. DISCLOSURE DOCUMENTS

This application relates to disclosure in U.S. Disclosure Document No.451,044, filed on Feb. 8, 1999, that is entitled “RE:-InventionDisclosure—Drill Bit Having Monitors and Controlled Actuators”, anentire copy of which is incorporated herein by reference.

This application relates to disclosure in U.S. Disclosure Document No.458,978 filed on Jul. 13, 1999 that is entitled in part “RE:-INVENTIONDISCLOSURE MAILED JULY 13, 1999”, an entire copy of which isincorporated herein by reference.

This application relates to disclosure in U.S. Disclosure Document No.475,681 filed on Jun. 17, 2000 that is entitled in part “ROV ConveyedSmart Shuttle System Deployed by Workover Ship for Subsea WellCompletion and Subsea Well Servicing”, an entire copy of which isincorporated herein by reference.

This application relates to disclosure in U.S. Disclosure Document No.496,050 filed on Jun. 25, 2001 that is entitled in part “SDCI Drillingand Completion Patents and Technology and SDCI Subsea Re-Entry Patentsand Technology”, an entire copy of which is incorporated herein byreference.

This application relates to disclosure in U.S. Disclosure Document No.480,550 filed on Oct. 2, 2000 that is entitled in part “New DraftFigures for New Patent Applications”, an entire copy of which isincorporated herein by reference.

This application relates to disclosure in U.S. Disclosure Document No.493,141 filed on May 2, 2001 that is entitled in part “Casing BoringMachine with Rotating Casing to Prevent Sticking Using a Rotary Rig”, anentire copy of which is incorporated herein by reference.

This application relates to disclosure in U.S. Disclosure Document No.492,112 filed on Apr. 12, 2001 that is entitled in part “Smart Shuttle™Conveyed Drilling Systems”, an entire copy of which is incorporatedherein by reference.

This application relates to disclosure in U.S. Disclosure Document No.495,112 filed on Jun. 11, 2001 that is entitled in part “Liner/DrainholeDrilling Machine”, an entire copy of which is incorporated herein byreference.

This application relates to disclosure in U.S. Disclosure Document No.494,374 filed on May 26, 2001 that is entitled in part “ContinuousCasting Boring Machine”, an entire copy of which is incorporated hereinby reference.

This application relates to disclosure in U.S. Disclosure Document No.495,111 filed on Jun. 11, 2001 that is entitled in part “SynchronousMotor Injector System”, an entire copy of which is incorporated hereinby reference.

This application relates to disclosure in U.S. Disclosure Document No.497,719 filed on Jul. 27, 2001 that is entitled in part “Many Uses forThe Smart Shuttle™ and Well Locomotive™”, an entire copy of which isincorporated herein by reference.

This application relates to disclosure in U.S. Disclosure Document No.498,720 filed on Aug. 17, 2001 that is entitled in part “Electric MotorPowered Rock Drill Bit Having Inner and Outer Counter-Rotating Cuttersand Having Expandable/Retractable Outer Cutters to Drill Boreholes intoGeological Formations”, an entire copy of which is incorporated hereinby reference.

This application relates to disclosure in U.S. Disclosure Document No.499,136 filed on Aug. 26, 2001, that is entitled in part “CommercialSystem Specification PCP-ESP Power Section for Cased Hole InternalConveyance Large Well Locomotive™”, an entire copy of which isincorporated herein by reference.

This application relates to disclosure in U.S. Disclosure Document No.516,982 filed on Aug. 20, 2002, that is entitled “Feedback Control ofRPM and Voltage of Surface Supply”, an entire copy of which isincorporated herein by reference.

This application relates to disclosure in U.S. Disclosure Document No.531,687 filed May 18, 2003, that is entitled “Specific Embodiments ofSeveral SDCI Inventions”, an entire copy of which is incorporated hereinby reference.

This application relates to U.S. Disclosure Document No. 572,723, filedon Mar. 14, 2005, that is entitled “Electrically Heated Pumping SystemsDisposed in Cased Wells, in Risers, and in Flowlines for ImmersionHeating of Produced Hydrocarbons”, an entire copy of which isincorporated herein by reference.

This application relates to U.S. Disclosure Document No. 573,813, filedon Mar. 28, 2005, that is entitled “Automated Monitoring and Control ofElectrically Heated Pumping Systems Disposed in Cased Wells, in Risers,and in Flowlines for Immersion Heating of Produced Hydrocarbons”, anentire copy of which is incorporated herein by reference.

This application relates to U.S. Disclosure Document No. 574,647, filedon Apr. 9, 2005, that is entitled “Methods and Apparatus to EnhancePerformance of Smart Shuttles and Well Locomotives”, an entire copy ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference.

This application relates to U.S. Disclosure Document No. 593,724, filedJan. 23, 2006, that is entitled “Methods and Apparatus to Pump Wirelinesinto Cased Wells Which Cause No Reverse Flow”, an entire copy of whichis incorporated herein by reference.

This application relates to U.S. Disclosure Document No. 595,322, filedFeb. 14, 2006, that is entitled “Additional Methods and Apparatus toPump Wirelines into Cased Wells Which Cause No Reverse Flow”, an entirecopy of which is incorporated herein by reference.

This application relates to U.S. Disclosure Document No. 599,602, filedon Apr. 24, 2006, that is entitled “Downhole DC to AC Converters toPower Downhole AC Electric Motors and Other Methods to Send PowerDownhole”, an entire copy of which is incorporated herein by reference.

This application relates to the U.S. Disclosure Document that isentitled “Seals for Smart Shuttles” that was mailed to the USPTO on theDate of Dec. 22, 2006 by U.S. Mail, Express Mail Service having ExpressMail Number EO 928 739 065 US, an entire copy of which is incorporatedherein by reference.

Various references are referred to in the above defined U.S. DisclosureDocuments. For the purposes herein, the term “reference cited inapplicant's U.S. Disclosure Documents” shall mean those particularreferences that have been explicitly listed and/or defined in any ofapplicant's above listed U.S. Disclosure Documents and/or in theattachments filed with those U.S. Disclosure Documents. Applicantexplicitly includes herein by reference entire copies of each and every“reference cited in applicant's U.S. Disclosure Documents”. Inparticular, applicant includes herein by reference entire copies of eachand every U.S. Patent cited in U.S. Disclosure Document No. 452,648,including all its attachments, that was filed on Mar. 5, 1999. To bestknowledge of applicant, all copies of U.S. Patents that were orderedfrom commercial sources that were specified in the U.S. DisclosureDocuments are in the possession of applicant at the time of the filingof the application herein.

RELATED U.S. TRADEMARKS

The term Smart Shuttle® is a Registered Trademark (Reg. No. 3007586).The term Well Locomotive® is a Registered Trademark (Reg. No. 3007587).Applicant further claims common law trademark rights in the marks“Downhole Rig™,” “Universal Completion Device™,” “Downhole BOP™” and“Smart Patch™.”

Accordingly, in view of the Trademark registrations and common lawtrademark rights, the term “smart shuttle” is capitalized as “SmartShuttle”; the term “well locomotive” is capitalized as “WellLocomotive”; the term “downhole rig” is capitalized as “Downhole Rig”;the term “universal completion device” is capitalized as “UniversalCompletion Device”; the term “downhole bop” is capitalized as “DownholeBOP”, and the term “smart patch” is capitalized as “Smart Patch.” Thelack of a “TM” symbol in combination with any of these terms is not awaiver of any trademark rights.

In addition, the following Trademarks are also used herein:“Subterranean Electric Drilling Machine™” abbreviated “SEDM™”.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of invention relates to methods and apparatus to monitorfailures of fiber-reinforced composite materials under compressivestresses caused by fluids and gases invading microfractures in thosematerials, particularly as may develop in aircraft having a fuselagecomprising fiber-reinforced composite materials, as well as methods andapparatus for repairing damage to such structures.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Catastrophic failures of fiber-reinforced composite materials haveproven to be a problem in the oil and gas industries. Now, suchfiber-reinforced composite materials have now been incorporated intocritically important structural components of aircraft. Such structuralcomponents include but are not limited to the wing and the wing junctionboxes of aircraft. Any catastrophic failure of fiber-reinforced wingsand/or wing junction boxes or other structural components during flightwould likely result in significant loss of life and the destruction ofthe aircraft.

A problem with composites is that they catastrophically delaminate undercertain circumstances. For example please refer to the article entitled“Offshore oil composites: Designing in cost savings” by Dr. JerryWilliams, a copy of which appears in Attachment No. 3 to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/270,709, filed on Jul. 10, 2009,an entire copy of which is incorporated herein by reference. One notablequote is as follows: “ . . . (the) failure modes are different formetals and composites: Compression failure modes for composites includedelamination and shear crippling that involves microbuckling of thefibers.”

Based upon Dr. Williams' assessments, clearly compressive forces appliedto composites can cause significant problems. Carbon fiber filaments aretypically woven into a fabric material, which may be typicallyimpregnated with epoxy resin. Such structures are then typicallylaminated and cured. On a microscopic level, and in compression, thecarbon fibers can buckle. This in turn opens up what the applicantherein calls “microfractures” (or “microcracks”) in larger fabricatedparts which are consequently subject to invasion by fluids and gasses.

Because of the risk of catastrophic delamination of composites undercompression, the assignee of the present application, Smart Drilling andCompletion, Inc., decided some time ago to use titanium or aluminuminterior strength elements, and to surround these materials withfiber-reinforced composite materials to make certain varieties ofumbilicals. For example, please see FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 1C in the U.S.Patent Application entitled “High Power Umbilicals for SubterraneanElectric Drilling Machines and Remotely Operated Vehicles”, that is Ser.No. 12/583,240, filed Aug. 17, 2009, that was published on Dec. 17, 2009as US 2009/038656 A1, an entire copy of which is incorporated herein byreference. The assignee may also include embedded syntactic foammaterials so that the fabricated umbilicals are neutrally buoyant intypical drilling muds for its intended use in a borehole.

Reference is made to the front-page article in The Seattle Times datedJun. 25, 2009 entitled “787 delay: months, not weeks”, an entire copy ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference. This article states in part,under the title of “Last months: test” the following: “This testproduced delamination of the composite material—separation of thecarbon-fiber layers, in small areas where the MHI wings join thestructure box embedded in the center fuselage made by Fugi HeavyIndustries (FHI) of Japan.” It should certainly be no news to those ofat least ordinary skill in the art that this is a high stress area, andportions of these stresses will inevitably be compressive in nature.

Consequently, in such areas subject to compressive stresses,microfractures will allow, for example, water, water vapor, fuel,grease, fuel vapor, and vapors from burned jet fuel to enter thesemicrofractures, that in turn, could cause a catastrophic failure of thewing and/or the wing junction box—possibly during flight. Similarcatastrophic problems could arise at other locations including compositematerials.

The counter-argument can be presented as follows: “but, the militaryflies aircraft made from these materials all the time, and there is noproblem”. Yes, but, the military often keeps their planes in hangers,has many flight engineers regularly and continuously inspecting them,and suitably recoats necessary surfaces with many chemicals to protectthe composites and to patch radar absorbing stealth materials. So, itmay not be wise to extrapolate the “no problems in the militaryargument” to the exposure of wings and wing boxes in civil commercialaircraft, including those of the 787, to at least some substantialrepetitive compressive forces that may also be simultaneously subject tolong-term environmental contamination by ambient fluids and gases.

Reference is also made to the Jun. 24, 2009 summary article in the DailyFinance entitled “Is Boeing's 787 safe to fly”?, by Peter Cohan, the onepage summary copy of which appears in Attachment No. 4 to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 61/270,709 filed on Jul. 10, 2009, anentire copy of which is incorporated herein by reference. This articlestates in part: “Composites are lighter and stronger hence able to flymore fuel efficiently. But engineers don't completely understand howaircraft made of composite materials will respond to the stresses ofactual flight. This incomplete understanding is reflected in thecomputer models they use to design the aircraft. The reason for thefifth delay is that the actual 787 did not behave the way the modelpredicted.”

The complete article entitled “Is Boeing's 787 safe to fly?”, in theDaily Finance, by Peter Cohan, dated Jun. 24, 2009, an entire copy ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference, further states:“Specifically, Boeing found that portions of the airframe—those wherethe top of the wings join the fuselage—experienced greater strain thancomputer models had predicted. Boeing could take months to fix the 787design, run more ground tests and adjust computer models to betterreflect reality.” This article continues: “And this is what raisesquestions about the 787's safety. If engineers continue to be surprisedby the 787's response to real-world operating stresses, there is somepossibility that the testing process might not catch all the potentialproblems with the design and construction of the aircraft.”

Significant problems have occurred in the past during the development ofnew airframes. For example, inadequate attention was paid thepossibility of high stresses causing catastrophic metal fatigue duringthe development of the de Havilland Comet. High stresses were a surpriseparticularly around the square window corners. Such failure of adequateattention resulted in several notable crashes.

Another example is the explosive decompression in flight suffered byAloha Airlines Flight 243. Water entering into an epoxy-aluminum bondedarea caused the basic problem. Consequently, an epoxy resin failurebetween two laminated materials (in this case aluminum) has causedsignificant problems in the past.

The complete article entitled “New Challenges for the Fixers of Boeing's787” “The First Big Test of Mending Lightweight Composite Jets”, The NewYork Times, Tuesday, Jul. 30, 2012, front page B1 of the Business DaySection (the “NYTimes Article”), an entire copy of which is incorporatedherein by reference, asks “how difficult and costly will it be to repairserious damage” and notes that composite structures do not visibly dent,require special ultrasound probes to identify damaged areas and newmaintenance tools and skills for mechanics. Damage to the fuselage canoccur in numerous ways, including from pilots dragging the tail of theplane on the runway, and from service vehicles colliding with the nose,and the fuselage near passenger and cargo doors.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is to provide methods and apparatus to usereal-time measurement systems to detect the onset of compression inducedmicro-fracturing of fiber-reinforced composite materials.

Another object of the invention is to provide measurement means todetect the onset of compression induced micro-fracturing offiber-reinforced composite materials to prevent catastrophic failures ofaircraft components containing such materials.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide methods and apparatusto prevent fluids and gases from invading any compression inducedmicrofractures through any coated surfaces of fiber-reinforced materialsto reduce the probability of failure of such fiber-reinforced materials.

Another object of the invention is to provide a real time electronicssystem measurement means fabricated within a portion of an aircraft madeof fiber-reinforced composite materials to detect the onset ofcompression induced micro-fracturing of the fiber-reinforced compositematerials to prevent the catastrophic failure of the portion of theaircraft or portions of the aircraft proximate thereto.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide a real timeelectronics system measurement means to measure the differentialresistivity of materials fabricated within a portion of an aircraft madeof fiber-reinforced composite materials to detect the onset ofcompression induced micro-fracturing of the fiber-reinforced compositematerials to prevent the catastrophic failure of the portion of theaircraft.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide an intelligent patchto repair a damages area, such as a hole, in an aircraft body,particularly where the aircraft body is made from fiber-reinforcedcomposite materials. In one embodiment, the intelligent patch adheres tothe aircraft body. It possesses means to conduct electrical current froma first current conducting electrode to another current conductingelectrode. The electrical current may be DC, AC, or may have any complexwaveform in time. The intelligent patch may have any number of currentconducting electrodes, and they may be of any shape, including stripsalong portions of the patch, etc. Electrical current may be passed fromany first ensemble of current conducting electrodes to any secondensemble of current conducting electrodes, where an ensemble is one ormore electrodes. One or more sensors may be utilized to measure, monitorand determine the condition of the intelligent patch, including therepaired area of the fuselage.

In a further embodiment, communication means may be included to issue analarm or warning signal to indicate a condition, such as the presence ofcompression induced microfractures and/or swarming of suchmicrofractures.

In a further embodiment, sensors may be utilized to measure electronicsignals from a phased array of acoustic transmitters and receiversdisposed within the intelligent patch.

In a further embodiment, electronic sensor means will measure smallimperfections in the condition of said intelligent patch and saidrepaired area of said fuselage, wherein said small imperfections havedimensions of 0.010 inch or smaller, and preferably 0.0010 inch orsmaller, and electronic sensor means will also measure largerimperfections in the condition of said intelligent patch and saidrepaired area of said fuselage, wherein said larger imperfections havedimensions of 0.011 inch or larger, and preferably 0.0011 inch andlarger. It is further contemplated that multiple different sensors maybe utilized simultaneously where one sensor is designed for detectingrelatively small cracks, holes, or imperfections due to the fundamentaloperating principles of the sensor, and another type of sensor isutilized to detect larger cracks, holes, or imperfections due to itsfundamental operating principles. For example, electrical resistancesensors are well suited for detecting small imperfections. Similarly, itis also believed that phased array acoustic sensors, phased arrayultrasonic sensors, phased array shearography sensors, phased arrayacoustic resonance sensors, phased array thermography sensors, X-raysensors and fiber-optic sensors may also be utilized to detectrelatively small cracks, holes, or imperfections. Conversely, acousticsensors, due to the their comparatively larger wave length, are wellsuited for detecting relatively large cracks, holes or imperfections, asare ultrasonic sensors, shearography sensors, acoustic resonancesensors, thermography sensors, radiography sensors, and thermal waveimaging sensors.

The term “phased array” is used in the previous paragraph. By way ofexample, in one preferred embodiment, the term “phased array acousticsensors” means that voltages in time are obtained and recorded from twoor more physical sensors sensitive to the acoustic waves present. Theacoustic waves are generated by an acoustic source. In general, thevoltage versus time from each sensor will be different in amplitude andphase. Signal processing techniques are then used to process thevoltages versus time from two or more sensors that preserve the phaseinformation in a manner to reduce noise and uncertainty using standardmathematical processing techniques generally known to physicists, toelectrical engineers, and to certain acoustic data processing experts inthe medical field.

In a further embodiment, an intelligent patch is provided to cover adamaged area of the fuselage of an airplane. The intelligent patchcomprising at least one of an electrical resistance sensor means,fiber-optic electronic sensor means, acoustic transmitter and sensormeans, phased array acoustic sensor means, ultrasonic transmitter andsensor means, phased array ultrasonic sensor means, thermosonics sensormeans, air coupled ultrasonic sensor means, acoustic resonance sensormeans, X-ray sensor means, radiography sensor means, thermal waveimaging sensor means, thermography sensor means, and shearography sensormeans to measure, monitor, and determine the condition of saidintelligent patch and the specific repaired area of said fuselage.

In yet other embodiments, the intelligent patch may be used to fixcomposite structures other than airplanes, including, for example,automobiles, boats, fluid tanks, pipelines and other compositestructures. The intelligent patch can detect micro-fracturing offiber-reinforced composite materials in these structures and furtherdetect imperfections or holes of varying sizes.

In addition, the sensor array provided by an intelligent patch may havea variety of other uses and may be made of different materials,including steel, aluminum or alloys of the same. The patch may be ametal mesh combined with fiberglass or composite fiber material. Thepatch may be used to temporarily or permanently fix aluminum bodies inaircraft, automobiles, steel portions in ship hulls, and metal tanks andpipelines. For example, a ship with a breached hull may utilize a metalintelligent patch in a situation requiring a quick temporary fix. Thesensor array can provide feedback to the ship's crew regarding itsviability and leakage on an on-going basis.

The above-described embodiments and configurations are neither completenor exhaustive. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of theinvention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or moreof the features set forth above or described in detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of the specification, illustrate embodiments of the disclosure andtogether with the general description of the disclosure given above andthe detailed description of the drawings given below, serve to explainthe principles of the disclosures.

It should be understood that the drawings are not necessarily to scale.In certain instances, details that are not necessary for anunderstanding of the disclosure or that render other details difficultto perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood, of course,that the disclosure is not necessarily limited to the particularembodiments illustrated herein.

FIG. 1 shows an aircraft having substantial fiber-reinforced materials,such as a Boeing 787.

FIG. 2 shows an embodiment of how the right and left wings are attachedto the center wing box, and an embodiment of the distribution of sensorarray systems in a portion of the fiber-reinforced composite materialsparticularly subject to compressive stresses.

FIG. 3 shows the upper right wing connection apparatus of the embodimentof FIG. 2 which connects the upper right wing to the mating portion ofthe upper right center wing box.

FIG. 4 shows modifications to the upper right wing connection apparatusof the embodiment of FIG. 2 which connects the upper right wing to themating portion of the upper center wing box.

FIG. 5 shows one embodiment of a real time electronics systemmeasurement means fabricated within a portion of an aircraft made offiber-reinforced composite materials to detect the onset of compressioninduced micro-fracturing.

FIG. 6 shows one embodiment of a real time electronics systemmeasurement means particularly suited for a laboratory demonstration ofthe measurement principles applied in the embodiment shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 7 shows an intelligent patch applied to an aircraft body.

FIG. 8 shows a further embodiment of an intelligent patch applied to anaircraft body.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description will typically be with reference to specificstructural embodiments and methods. It is to be understood that there isno intention to limit the invention to the specifically disclosedembodiments and methods but that the invention may be practiced usingother features, elements, methods and embodiments. Preferred embodimentsare described to illustrate the present invention, not to limit itsscope, which is defined by the claims. Those of ordinary skill in theart will recognize a variety of equivalent variations on the descriptionthat follows. Like elements in various embodiments are commonly referredto with like reference numerals.

The fiber-reinforced wings and wing boxes of Boeing 787's are describedvery well in an article in The Seattle Times, dated Jul. 30, 2009,entitled “Double trouble for Boeing 787 wing” by Dominic Gates, thatappears on the front page and on A8, an entire copy of which isincorporated herein by reference. That article provided several coloreddrawings showing the then existing wings and wing box assemblies, andthe then proposed reinforcement of those assemblies.

Some aspects of FIGS. 1, 2, 3 and 4 herein are based on the informationprovided in that Jul. 30, 2009 article in The Seattle Times. Applicantis grateful for that information.

FIG. 1 shows an airplane 2 having substantial quantities offiber-reinforced composite materials, that has a right wing 4 (whenviewed standing in front of airplane 2), left wing 6, and center wingbox 8. The wings and wing boxes are substantially fabricated fromfiber-reinforced materials. In the Jul. 30, 2009 article, the airplanesketched was the Boeing 787. It should be appreciated that theinventions disclosed herein are not limited to the Boeing 787 nor towings and wing boxes, but are applicable to any structure comprisingfiber-reinforced materials.

FIG. 2 shows a cross section view of the center wing box 8 in fuselage10, having its top skin 12 and bottom skin 14, its top stringers 16, andits bottom stringers 18. Wing 6 has its top wing skin 20, bottom wingskin 22, its top stringers 24, and its bottom stringers 26. Wing 4 hasits top wing skin 28, its bottom wing skin 30, its top stringers 32, andbottom stringers 34. Left wing connection apparatus 36 connects the leftwing 6 to the mating portion of the center wing box. Upper right wingconnection apparatus 38 connects the right wing 4 to the mating portionof the center wing box.

FIG. 3 shows an expanded version of the upper right wing connectionapparatus 38. Many of the various elements have already been identifiedabove. In addition, the right-hand wall of the fuselage 40 is coupled tothe center wing box 8 and to the right wing 4 by parts 42, 44, and 46.High stress points 48 and 50 were identified as being related to thefailures of the wings and the center wing junction box during the testsdescribed in the article dated Jul. 30, 2010.

In FIG. 4, the modifications described in the article dated Jul. 30,2010 are shown. U-shaped cutouts in the stringers 52 and 54 are shown,along with the addition of fastener bolts 56 and 58. Element 38A showsan expanded version of the upper right wing connection apparatus thathas been modified.

Referring again to FIG. 2, lower left-wing connection apparatus 100 andlower right-wing connection apparatus 102 are areas which are insubstantial compression. So, in these areas, the fiber-reinforcedmaterials are in substantial compression. Consequently, sensor arraysystems 104, 106, 108, and 110 are shown as being placed in areassubject to substantial compressive forces applied to thefiber-reinforced composite materials. These sensor array systems aremonitored to determine if microfractures are being produced, and todetermine if fluids and gases are invading any such microfractures inthe materials.

Information from the sensor arrays are sent via wires such as 112through wing box to fuselage connector 114 to monitoring instrumentation116. That monitoring instrumentation may be in the fuselage, or externalto the fuselage, or may be connected by a wireless communications link.Power to any measurement devices in the sensor array systems areprovided by wires such as 112. By “sensor array” is meant to includemeans to make a change to the materials (such as the conduction ofelectricity) and the measurement of a parameter (such as a change inresistance or resistivity of the materials).

To avoid fluid invasion problems, in several preferred embodiments,real-time measurement systems are described to detect the onset ofcompression induced micro-fracturing. So, not only would stress andstrain be measured in live-time, but also whether or not fluids andgases have invaded the microfractures. In other preferred embodiments,the electrical resistivity between adjacent laminated sections is usedas a convenient way to determine if there has been invasion ofconductive fluids (such as salt water) into the microfractures.Extraordinarily precise differential measurements may be made of suchresistivity, and the applicant has had many years of experience in suchmeasurements during the development of the Through Casing ResistivityTool. In other preferred embodiments, precise differential measurementsare made in real-time of various dielectric properties that will allowthe detection of non-conductive fluids and gases. In other embodiments,undue swelling of the composites are also directly measured with sensorsthat will give an advance indication of potential catastrophic failuresdue to fluid and/or gas invasion. In many embodiments, the sensorsthemselves are integrated directly into the composite materials duringmanufacture. In some embodiments, the existing carbon fibers alreadypresent may be used. Accordingly, there are many live-time measurementsthat we can use to prevent catastrophic failures.

Yet other embodiments of the invention provide inspection techniquesbased on measurements to determine invasion of fluids and gases into thecomposite materials is clearly needed.

A preferred embodiment of the invention describes a method to usereal-time measurement systems to detect the onset of compression inducedmicro-fracturing of fiber-reinforced composite materials. In a preferredembodiment, the real-time measurement systems measure the electricalresistivity between different portions of the fiber-reinforced compositematerials.

In selected embodiments, changes in time of electrical resistivitybetween different portions of the fiber-reinforced composite materialsare used to determine the invasion of conductive fluids into themicrofractures of the fiber-reinforced composite materials. In severalpreferred embodiments, fiber-reinforced composite materials comprise aportion of an umbilical in a subterranean wellbore that conductselectricity through insulated wires to an electric drilling machine. Inother preferred embodiments, the fiber-reinforced composite materialscomprise a portion of a Boeing 787 wing, 787 wing box assembly, and anycombination thereof. The invention applies to fiber-reinforced compositematerials used in any portion of an airplane.

In other preferred embodiments, the real-time measurement systemsmeasure dielectric properties between different portions offiber-reinforced composite materials.

In selected embodiments, changes in time of measured dielectricproperties between different portions of the fiber-reinforced compositematerials are used to determine the invasion of fluids and gases intothe microfractures of said fiber-reinforced composite materials. Inselected preferred embodiments, these methods are used to monitorfiber-reinforced composite materials that comprise a portion of anumbilical in a subterranean wellbore. In other selected embodiments, themethods and apparatus are used to monitor fiber-reinforced compositematerials comprise a portion of a Boeing 787 wing, 787 wing boxassembly, and any combination thereof, or any other portion offiber-reinforced composite materials comprising any portion of anairplane.

Selected preferred embodiments of the invention provide methods andapparatus wherein substantial portions of the real-time measurementsystems are fabricated within the fiber-reinforced composite materials.In selected preferred embodiments, changes in time of measuredproperties are used to determine the invasion of fluids and gases intothe microfractures of the fiber-reinforced composite materials.

In selected embodiments, measurement means are provided to detect theonset of compression induced micro-fracturing of fiber-reinforcedcomposite materials to prevent catastrophic failures of aircraftcomponents containing such materials.

In other preferred embodiments, the measurement means further includesmeans to detect and measure the volume of fluids and gases that haveinvaded the microfractures in the fiber-reinforced composite materials.

In yet another preferred embodiment, methods and apparatus are providedto prevent fluids and gases from invading any compression inducedmicrofractures of fiber-reinforced materials to reduce the probabilityof failure of such materials. Such methods and apparatus include specialcoating materials that coat fabricated fiber-reinforced materials,wherein such special materials are defined to be a coating materialmeans. Such methods and apparatus further includes a coating materialmeans is used to coat fiber-reinforced composite materials in visuallyinaccessible areas of airplanes. Such methods and apparatus furtherinclude special materials incorporated within the fiber-reinforcedmaterials that are hydrophilic (tend to repel water). Such methods andapparatus further include special materials incorporated within thefiber-reinforced materials that absorb during a chemical reaction thatproduces a new portion of the matrix material in the fiber-reinforcedcomposite material. Such methods and apparatus further includes specialmaterials incorporated within the fiber-reinforced materials that absorbgases. Such methods and apparatus yet further includes self-healingsubstances designed to fill any such microfractures in thefiber-reinforced materials. Such methods and apparatus yet furtherinclude self-healing substances whereby at least one component of thematrix material used to make the fiber-reinforced composite material.Such matrix material may be comprised of at least an epoxy resinmaterial and a hardener component. The self-healing substance mayfurther include a hardener component designed to set-up slowly over aperiod in excess of one year.

Another preferred embodiment of the invention includes methods andapparatus wherein predetermined compressional stresses induce a chemicalreaction within a special material fabricated within thefiber-reinforced composite material that prevents fluids and gases frominvading any compression induced microfractures of fiber-reinforcedmaterials to reduce the probability of failure of such materials. Inseveral preferred embodiments, such predetermined compressional stressesinduce a structural phase transition within a special materialfabricated within the fiber-reinforced composite material that preventsfluids and gases from invading any compression induced microfractures offiber-reinforced materials to reduce the probability of failure of suchmaterials.

Further embodiments include methods and apparatus wherein at least aportion of the fiber-reinforced composite material is exposed to arelatively high-pressure inert gas which slowly diffuses through otherportions of the fiber-reinforced composite material to prevent otherfluids and gases from invading any compression induced microfractures ofthe fiber-reinforced material to reduce the probability of failure ofthe material. The inert gas can include dry nitrogen. Such methods andapparatus apply to any portion of a fiber-reinforced material that iscomprised of at least one channel within said fiber-reinforce compositematerial.

Yet other preferred embodiments provide additional special fibers thatare added during the manufacturing process of a standardfiber-reinforced composite material to make a new specialfiber-reinforced material to prevent fluids and gases from invading anycompression induced microfractures of said special fiber-reinforcedmaterial to reduce the probability of failure of said specialfiber-reinforced material. Such special fibers include fibers comprisedof titanium. Such special fibers include fibers comprised of any alloycontaining titanium.

Other embodiments provide special fibers that are added during themanufacturing process of a standard fiber-reinforced composite materialto make a new special fiber-reinforced material to reduce theprobability of the formation of stress-induced microfractures in saidmaterial. Such special fibers include fibers comprised of titanium. Suchspecial fibers include fibers comprised of any alloy containingtitanium.

Other preferred embodiments provide methods and apparatus to isolate thewing boxes of composite aircraft from environmental liquids, such aswater, and from environmental gases, such as jet exhaust to reduce theprobability of failure of such materials. Such methods and apparatusinclude means to prevent fluids and gases from invading any compressioninduced microfractures through any coated surfaces of fiber-reinforcedmaterials to reduce the probability of failure of such fiber-reinforcedmaterials.

Other selected embodiments of the invention incorporate the relevantdifferent types of physical measurements defined in U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application 61/270,709, filed Jul. 9, 2010, an entire copy ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference. For example, such physicalmeasurements include acoustic transmitters and receivers, ultrasonictransmitters and receivers, phased array ultrasonics, thermosonics, aircoupled ultrasonics, acoustic resonance techniques, x-ray techniques,radiography, thermal wave imaging, thermography and shearography. Thesecited physical measurements, and selected additional physicalmeasurements described in the References incorporated into thisdocument, may be used to make the basic sensors of a real timeelectronics system measurement means fabricated within a portion of anaircraft made of fiber-reinforced composite materials to detect theonset of compression induced micro-fracturing of said fiber-reinforcedcomposite materials to prevent the catastrophic failure of said portionof said aircraft.

Reference is made to the article entitled “Nondestructive Inspection ofComposite Structures: Methods and Practice” by David K. Hsu, 17th WorldConference on Nondestructive Testing, 25-28 Oct. 2008, Shanghai, China,an entire copy of which is incorporated herein by reference. This is areview article of methods and apparatus to inspect composite materialsand will be hereinafter abbreviated as Hsu, 2008.

Many non-destructive tests are reviewed, which include water- andair-coupled ultrasound bond testing, manual and automated tap testing,thermography, and shearography (hereinafter collectively, “standardtechniques”).

In the case of one of the mechanisms described herein, compositematerials under compression in or near the wing box ingest or soak-upwater, jet fuel, etc. and are subject to a catastrophic delimitation.

The interior portion of the wing box is very hard to access. Someportions subject to testing are deep into the wing, significantdistances from the outer skin of the aircraft. The interior portion ofthe wing box is not subject to any external visual inspection fromoutside the aircraft. Nor will any of the “standard techniques” notedabove work to determine the failure mechanism described herein on aninterior portion of the wing box from outside the aircraft.

An individual can access some areas of the interior portion of the wingbox from inside the wing. There are crawl spaces. Some hand-heldinspection tools, such as a hand-held tap tester, or hand-held acousticdevice, could be used by an individual to inspect certain portions ofthe interior portion of the wing box. But, the sensitivity of these areseverely limited.

In Section 4.3 of Hsu, 2008, the article talks about sensitivities “assmall as 3 mm (⅛″) diameter can be detected . . . ”. This is a prettylarge hole and not sensitive enough to determine the presence or absenceof microfractures of the type produced by the mechanism describedherein.

In addition, reference is made to an article in USA Today, entitled“Signs of pre-existing fatigue found on Southwest aircraft”, by RogerYu, Apr. 4, 2011 (the “USA Today Article”), an entire copy of which isincorporated herein by reference. The USA Today Article states in part:

-   -   “The FAA said it no longer believes airplanes can fly forever,”        Goldfarb said. “They have life limits. And because of extensive        fatigue, airlines need to retire them at a limit. (The FAA)        thinks just (having) inspection is not enough. These cracks can        propagate quickly.”        The USA Today Article further states in part:    -   In justifying the new rules, the FAA said, “Existing inspection        methods do not reliably detect widespread fatigue damage because        cracks are initially so small and may then link up and grow so        rapidly that the affected structure fails before an inspection        can be performed to detect the cracks.”

So, even after many years of flying, and after much study, the FAAconcludes that they do not have a good way to determine what is going tohappen on a given aircraft by using present inspection techniques.Please note the first above quote from the USA Today Article impliesthat cracks are to be expected. Furthermore, microcracks are apparentlycommon in aluminum—which are, by analogy, just the type of microcracksin composites that can result in the failure mechanism described herein.

In the second above quote from the USA Today Article, microcracks maylink up and grow very rapidly, a phenomenon which might be called“swarming of microcracks” for the purposes herein. If such swarmingoccurs, and fluids such as water, jet fuel, etc. invade the structure,the composite can catastrophically fail within a short period of time.This is one mechanism described herein.

None of the “standard techniques” noted above are adequate to monitorthe failure mechanism described herein. However, resistivitymeasurements are cited herein as having the resolution to detect andmonitor this problem.

Accordingly, another preferred embodiment of the invention is shown inFIG. 5. That FIG. 5 shows a Differential Form of a Four PointResistivity Measurement generally identified with numeral 202. This typeof measurement is particularly sensitive and immune to electromagneticinterference. Some engineers also call it a Four Point ResistanceMeasurement provided the physical dimensions are defined to turn theresistance measured into resistivity. The measurement is being performedon a material 204 that is a fiber-reinforced composite material such asthat found in a wing or wing box of a Boeing 787. Such afiber-reinforced material also includes materials identified as a carbonfiber-reinforced polymer material of the type used in an Airbus A350wing or wing box. The material 204 has a surface that is defined as“SURFACE OF COMPOSITE UNDER TEST”, which legend is defined in FIG. 5.

In FIG. 5, electrical current generation means 206 is used to generateelectrical current identified with the legend I in FIG. 5. Thatelectrical current I is passed between current conducting electrode Aand current conducting electrode B through material 204, legends furtheridentified on FIG. 5. The current conducting circuit shown is completedwith insulated wire 208.

In FIG. 5, voltage measurement electrodes C, D, and E are in electricalcontact with material 204, which legends are defined in FIG. 5. Currentpassing between current conducting electrodes A and B will generate avoltage difference V1 between voltage measurement electrodes C and D,which legend V1 is defined in FIG. 5. Current passing between currentconducting electrodes A and B will also generate a voltage difference V2between voltage measurement electrodes D and E, which legend V2 isdefined in FIG. 5.

The voltages V1 and V2 are provided to the respective inputs 210, 212,and 214 of processing electronics 216. The inputs are not shown in FIG.5 for clarity, but would be understood by those of skill in the art.Processing electronics 216 provides detection, amplification, logicalprocessing, and other electronics to provide an output voltage V3, alegend identified in FIG. 5. The output voltage V3 is given by thefollowing:V3=S1·K1·(R2−R1)  Equation 1.

In Equation 1, K1 is a proportionality constant that converts resistanceto resistivity units appropriate for the geometry of the various definedelectrodes in electrical contact with material 204. It should be notedthat resistance is normally measured in ohms, and resistivity has theunits of ohm-meters. The parameter S1 is an amplification factorsometimes helpful to overcome environmental noise.

Voltage V3 is proportional to the difference in resistance between R2and R1. The difference in resistance can be measured to many decimalpoints—six is typical. The inventor has previously done suchmeasurements to an accuracy of eleven decimal places.

The voltage V3 is provided to an input of communications electronicsmodule 218. The input 220 of communications module 218 and the insulatedwire 222 carrying voltage V3 are not shown in FIG. 5 for the purposes ofclarity but would be understood by those of skill in the art.

In the particular embodiment of the invention shown in FIG. 5,communications module 218 provides the data including V3 to a remoteReceiver Unit (224—not shown in FIG. 5) but understood by those of skillin the art. The communication module 218 provides the data via radiofrequency communications 226 that is further identified with legend“DATA OUT=RF” in FIG. 5.

Power supply 228 provides electrical power to electrical currentgeneration means 206 via insulated wire 230. Power supply 228 alsoprovides electrical power to processing module 216 via insulated wire232 (numeral not shown in FIG. 5). Power supply 228 also provideselectrical power to communications module 218 via insulated wire 233(numeral not shown in FIG. 5).

In this particular preferred embodiment of the invention, power supply228 obtains its power from an AC magnetic field identified by the legend“POWER IN=60 HZ AC MAGNETIC FIELD” in FIG. 5. In one embodiment, the ACMagnetic Field is provided by a remote Power Transmitter Unit 236 (whichnumeral is not shown in FIG. 5 but would be understood by a person ofordinary skill in the art). The AC Magnetic field generated by remotePower Transmitter Unit 236 is intercepted by insulated coil of wire 238.The changing AC Magnetic Field induces a voltage in the insulated coilof wire 238 and is used to provide electrical power to power supply 228.In several embodiments of the invention, a battery is included withinpower supply 228 to store energy received from the remote PowerTransmitter Unit 236 that in turn may be used to power elements 206, 216and 226 in FIG. 5 when the Power Transmitter Unit is not nearby (such asduring flight of an aircraft).

The electronic elements, including the current conducting electrodes,the voltage measurement electrodes, elements 206, 216, 218, 228, 230,238, any electrical conductors required, the remote Power TransmitterUnit 236, and remote Receiver Unit 224 are defined for the purposesherein as a real time electronics measurement system means 240 toprovide Differential Four Point Resistivity Measurements of the material204 under test. The various components of the electronics means 240 maybe incorporated within the body of the material 204, or on a surface ofthe material —identified by the legend previously described, or anycombination thereof in various embodiments.

As stated before, the electrical current generation means 206 generatesthe electrical current identified with the legend I in FIG. 5. Theelectrical current I may be chosen to be DC, AC, DC plus AC, or may havean arbitrary function in time. There are advantages to each choice.Depending on the choice, the resulting voltages V1, V2, and V3 will beDC, AC, DC plus AC, or may have an arbitrary function in time.

DC current may be the simplest to implement, but may be subject toadverse noise problems. AC is a good choice, and phase sensitivedetection methods may be used to enhance the signal and reduce theeffect of any noise present. (For example, see Section 15.15 entitled“Lock-in detection” in the book entitled “The Art of Electronics” byHorowitz and Winfield identified in the References hereto.) The DC plusAC has some advantages of both. If the current is chosen to have anarbitrary function in time, signal averaging or “signal stacking”techniques may be used to enhance the signal and reduce the noise. (Forexample, see Section 15.13 entitled “Signal averaging and multichannelaveraging” in the book entitled “The Art of Electronics” previouslymentioned in this paragraph.)

In a particularly simple approach, the voltage from just one pair V1 canbe measured to extract some information especially if combined withphase sensitive detection methods and or signal averaging methods asappropriate.

FIG. 6 shows an experimental arrangement 250 perhaps most suited in alaboratory environment to convey the principles related to the abovedefined measurement apparatus. A particular sample 252 is a COMPOSITEUNDER TEST, a legend defined in FIG. 6. The current supply 254 providescurrent I to current conducting electrodes A and B. Voltage measurementelectrodes C, D, and E are in electrical contact with the COMPOSITEUNDER TEST 252. Differential amplifiers 256, 258, and 260 provide outputvoltage V3. In this case, the output voltage V3 is given by:V3=S2·K2·(R2−R1)  Equation 2.

In Equation 2, S2 is the appropriate proportionality constant thatconverts resistance to resistivity units, and S2 is the appropriateoverall amplification of the system. FIG. 6 shows a laboratory versionof a real time electronics system measurement means 262 to provideDifferential Four Point Resistivity Measurements of the material 204under test. Similar comments made in relation to FIG. 5 for using DC,AC, DC plus AC, and arbitrary waveforms also apply to the current I inFIG. 6.

It is appropriate to return again to FIG. 5. In one embodiment, theapparatus shown in FIG. 5 is a monolithic assembly in contact with thecomposite. In another embodiment, it is sealed against the surface ofthe composite under test. In yet another embodiment, it is simplyepoxied in place. In another embodiment, an inspector applying amagnetic field from outside the skin of the aircraft, will prompt thedevice to measure V3 and those results are sent to a receiver box on theexterior of the aircraft (not shown). In another embodiment, the resultsare sent to a receiver box on the interior of the aircraft (not shown).In various different embodiments, the results can be sent to anyselected location (not shown). Furthermore, from such a selectedlocation, the results can be further relayed to other specific locationsby suitable communications systems (not shown) as would be appreciatedby those of skill in the art upon reading this disclosure.

So, the apparatus can be retrofitted onto a wing box of a 787 by aworker crawling through the crawl space. No extra wires are used topower the apparatus. The apparatus in FIG. 5 does have the sensitivityto detect changes in the microfractures within the composite and thepresence of fluids such as water or jet fuel. Such monitoring can beused to prevent the catastrophic failure of composites within the wingbox region of the 787. Similar comments apply to other compositestructures within the 787 or other aircraft having composite structuressuch as the Airbus 350.

In yet other embodiments of the invention, it is not necessary to havethe solenoid powered-battery combination. Rather, in analogy with someold-time wrist watches that needed no winding, a motion poweredgenerator can be made a part of the apparatus shown in FIG. 5. Forexample, a small round magnet rolling around in a cavity surrounded withpick-up coils can be used to generate power and charge the battery.

Different embodiments of the apparatus in FIG. 5 can perform and storeits measurements periodically. After the plane has landed, a hand-heldReader outside the aircraft can then send an RF signal to a receivercoil in the device to “Start Read”. The RF transmitter can then send RFto the hand-held Reader that receives the data. The hand-held Reader canthen be connected wirelessly to a remote computer. The Reader in thisparagraph is another embodiment of the Receiver Unit described above.

In another embodiment of the invention, the apparatus shown in FIG. 5 isprovided with cell phone-like receiver and transmitter capabilities.After the plane is parked, a call from an external computer to theon-board “cell phone” is used to “Start Read”. Then, data iscommunicated to the computer that made the call—using tones for digitsin one embodiment. Tones will work here in one embodiment because notmuch data is involved in particularly simple embodiments of theinvention.

In yet another embodiment of the invention, and if the aircraft itselfsupports cell phone calls at any location world-wide, then the aircraftsupported cell phone network can be used to “Start Read” and to downloadthe data seamlessly, anywhere in the world, all the time, any time. Withsuch a network, the apparatus in FIG. 5 can be programmed to “wake up”and send an alarm if the data shows there is a problem.

In yet other embodiments of the invention, similar comments apply toWi-Fi networks or any other communication networks which aircraftsupport now and into the future.

For example, one preferred embodiment the following steps are executed:

a. select a portion of the wing box for monitoring;

b. epoxy the measurement apparatus to the portion of the wing box;

c. when the plane lands, the results will be automatically sent byauto-dialing to a cell phone number.

In yet other embodiments, the electrical power and the communications tothe measurement apparatus may be made by conventional wiring to aircraftwiring bus. In such case, methods and apparatus defined in U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61/849,585, filed on Jan. 29,2013 (PPA-101), in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.61/850,095, filed on Feb. 9, 2013 (PPA-102), in U.S. Provisional PatentApplication Ser. No. 61/850,774, filed on Feb. 22, 2013 (PPA-103), andin U.S. Provisional Patent Application mailed to the USPTO on the dateof Jan. 27, 2014 having Express Mail Label No. EU 900 555 027 USentitled “Proposed Modifications of Main and APU Lithium-Ion BatteryAssemblies on the Boeing 787 to Prevent Fires: Add One Cell, EliminateGroundloops, and Monitor Each Cell with Optically IsolatedElectronics—Part 4” (PPA-104), may be used to minimize undesirableeffects of Groundloops on the measurement apparatus. Entire copies ofthese four U.S. Provisional Patent Applications have been previouslyincorporated in their entirety herein by reference.

As addressed previously in connection with the USA Today Article, theFAA has determined that it does not have a good way to determine what isgoing to happen on a given aircraft by using present inspectiontechniques. It is implied that cracks are to be expected and thatmicrocracks may link up and grow very rapidly.

In addition to detecting and monitoring for microcracks, the airlineindustry needs methods and apparatus to repair major damage to theairframes. These will be called “patches” for the purposes herein.

In this regard, reference is made to the article entitled “NewChallenges for the Fixers of Boeing's 787” “The First Big Test ofMending Lightweight Composite Jets”, The New York Times, Tuesday, Jul.30, 2012, front page B1 of the Business Day Section (the “NYTimesArticle”), an entire copy of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Known fabrication techniques can be used to manufacture “Dumb Patches”that have no self-monitoring capabilities. For example, such existingmethods and apparatus are cited in U.S. Pat. No. 7,896,294 that issuedin 2011 to Airbus that is entitled “Cover Skin for a Variable-ShapeAerodynamic Area”, an entire copy of which is incorporated herein byreference. As another example, such existing methods and apparatus arecited in U.S. Pat. No. 8,246,882 that issued in 2012 to The BoeingCompany that is entitled “Methods and Performs for Forming CompositeMembers with Interlayers Formed of Nonwoven, Continuous Materials”, anentire copy of which is incorporated herein by reference.

It is preferred that the patch is able to monitor itself automaticallyfor integrity. Such a patch is called a “Smart Patch™” monitoring systemfor the purposes herein. A generic term for a “Smart Patch™” is anintelligent patch.

In one embodiment, the intelligent patch possesses an M×N array ofvoltage measurement electrodes, where M and N are variables. Forexample, M may be 2 and N may be 2. For example, M may be 1,000,000, andN may be 1,000,100.

In one embodiment, the intelligent patch possesses measurement andprocessing means to electronically measure the voltage measurements fromthe M×N array of voltage measurement electrodes.

The voltage difference between any two voltage measurement electrodesmay be selectively measured with the measurement and processing means.

The differential voltage between a first pair of voltage measurementelectrodes and a second pair of voltage measurement electrodes may beselectively measured with the measurement and processing means.

If AC currents are used, the measurement and processing measurementmeans may use standard electronic filter means to reduce environmentalnoise.

If AC currents are used, phase sensitive detection means may be used toreject environmental noise. Such methods are described in Composite-2and in four attachments hereto respectfully labeled as PSD-Ref a.pdf,PSD-Ref b.pdf, PSD-Ref c.pdf and PSD-Ref d.pdf.

The original source for PSD-Ref a.pdf (copy in PPA C-3) is:

-   -   courses.washington.edu/phys431/lock-in/lockin.pdf

The original source for PSD-Ref b.pdf (copy in PPA C-3) is:

-   -   www.phys.utk.edu/labs/ . . . /lock-in %20amplifier        %20experiment.pdf

The original source for PSD-Ref c.pdf (copy in PPA C-3) is:

-   -   “from Stanford Research Systems. Application note detailing how        lock-in amplifiers work” at http://en.wikipedia.orq/wiki/Lock-in        amplifier

The original source for PSD-Ref d.pdf (copy in PPA C-3) is:

-   -   The article entitled “Lock-in Amplifier” at www.wikipedia.org

One or more currents may be used. One may be DC. Another may be AC. Or acombination selected. Or multiple AC currents may be used. Each couldrequire its own separate measurement and processing measurement means toprovide suitable voltage measurements or differential voltagemeasurements.

In selected embodiments, signal averaging techniques may be used.

In one embodiment, in addition to a first AC current at frequency f1that flows between the current conducting electrodes, a separatecontrolled source ultrasonic modulator that oscillates at frequency f2is also embedded in the intelligent patch. Phase sensitive techniquesare used to monitor the AC current flowing that is modulated by theultrasonic waves passing through the material. Information appears atthe sidebands of f2−f1 and f2+f1.

The intelligent patch possesses intelligent processing means so that itcan itself determine whether or not a threshold is reached requiringadditional human inspection. Such intelligent processing means includesany type of artificial intelligent processing techniques and procedures.

In several preferred embodiments, if the threshold is reached, theintelligent patch automatically communicates that information to acommunications system. In one embodiment, a simple dial-up transmitterfor cell phones is connected into a local cell phone network. Theinformation transmitted would include an identification code (example is5032, meaning this is patch no. 5032 on a particular aircraft) and awarning code (for example a code 911 meaning that human inspection isneeded ASAP).

In another embodiment, communication about any problems can also be doneby using “Cloud Computing”. For example, please refer to the pdf copy ofthe article entitled “Ten Ways Cloud Computing is RevolutionizingAerospace and Defense” by Louis Columbus, a copy of which is attachedhereto and labeled as PSD-Ref e.pdf. This article appeared at Yahoo. TheLink to the article is defined in the pdf copy attached hereto.

In several preferred embodiments, the intelligent patch includesinternal power generation means. In one embodiment, this is provided bysolar power. In another embodiment, this is provided by small magnetsnear pick-up coils. In other embodiments, this is provided by powermechanisms that are used to power mechanical watches.

For example, please refer to U.S. Pat. No. 6,183,125 entitled“Electronic Watch” that issued on Feb. 6, 2001, assigned to the SeikoEpson Corporation of Tokyo, an entire copy of which is incorporatedherein by reference.

The intelligent patch technology may also be used during the originalfabrication of an aircraft to monitor the condition of the aircraft asit ages. In one embodiment, the intelligent patch technology is used injust a portion of a newly fabricated aircraft that is subject tofailure—such as in a tail section. Or in another embodiment, theintelligent patch technology is used within the entire fuselage tomonitor the condition of the fuselage.

The intelligent patch may also be used on the bodies of remote controldrone aircraft to determine the condition of the craft. This could beincorporated into the original design or used as a repair.

The intelligent patch may also be used on the bodies of automobiles.

The intelligent patch may also be used on the hulls of ships.

The intelligent patch may also be used on the hulls of submarines.

In various embodiments, the intelligent patches may contain one or moresensor types.

In various embodiments, the intelligent patches may be overlaid. E.g. A“standard” 3 sensor type patch may be overlaid with a single sensor“specialty” patch containing a less common type of sensor array.

In various preferred embodiments, the intelligent patches may be “cut tofit” while maintaining functionality of the retained sensors. In severalembodiments of these, after cutting, the intelligent patches auto-detectthe locations of still functioning sensors and self-programs itself toprovide the desired measurements.

In selected embodiments, the intelligent patches may come in “tape” formof various widths.

In various embodiments, the intelligent patches may have surface“ground” traces to properly connect to the plane's static dissipationand grounding system. In a preferred embodiment, this is the metalfuselage structure, or special conducting material incorporated incomposite structures.

In various embodiments, the intelligent patches may contain materialsthat form conductive or resistive patterns or surfaces when a treatmentis applied. E.g. embedded small copper pieces can form conductivepatterns or surfaces when the patch is mechanically abraded andpolished. Treatment is not limited to such mechanical action, it couldbe chemical, photo-chemical, x-ray, etc. and it could affect internallayers of the patch, not just the outer surface.

In various embodiments, the intelligent patches may have dedicated areaswhere electrical “contact” connections may be applied, or such contactpoints may be spread throughout the patch either randomly or in apattern.

In various embodiments, the intelligent patches may contain“non-contact” connection capability which may be restricted to specificpoints as above, or spread throughout the patch. Non-contact connectionsmay be inductive, RF, or optical and cover the full electromagneticspectrum.

In various embodiments, contact or non-contact connections may be usedto interface individual intelligent patch layers (multiple patches) orto interface aircraft electronics.

In various preferred embodiments, the intelligent patches may have abonding agent pre-applied when manufactured. (self-adhesive). Or theymay be pre-impregnated with resins (pre-preg) ready for laminating ontoa composite. Or they may be manufactured without a bonding agent. Such“bare” patches may be porous or non-porous, smooth or have a variety ofsurface textures.

In various embodiments, the intelligent patches may have marks or otherinformation printed on them to help guide orientation, cutting,installation, and connection.

In various embodiments, the intelligent patch technology may beintegrated into aircraft “covering” products, including products forcovering “open frame” construction as well as those for covering othersurfaces.

Please refer to FIG. 5. FIG. 5 shows current electrode A. However, anynumber of analogous current conducting electrodes A1, A2, A3, A(j),where (j) may be any integer can be introduced into a composite or onits surface (or any combination thereof). Each of these electrodes mayhave any three dimensional shape, and may form any desired pattern orpatterns. The electrodes A1, A2, A3 . . . , etc. may be chosen to bedistributed in any manner within, or on the surface of a composite.These electrodes may be chosen to overlap, and in certain embodiments,may be chosen to make electrical contact (for example, to reduce theelectrical impedance).

FIG. 5 also shows current electrode B. However, any number of analogouscurrent conducting electrodes B1, B2, B3, B(p), where (p) may be anyinteger can be introduced into a composite or on its surface (or anycombination thereof). Each of these electrodes may have any threedimensional shape, and may form any desired pattern or patterns. Theelectrodes B1, B2, B3, . . . , etc. may be chosen to be distributed inany manner within or on the surface of a composite. These electrodes maybe chosen to overlap and in certain embodiments, may be chosen to makeelectrical contact (for example, to reduce the electrical impedance).

FIG. 5 shows current electrode configuration C, D and E. However, anynumber of analogous current conducting electrode configurations C1, D1,E1; C2, D2, E2; C3, D3, E3; . . . C(q), D(q) and E(q), where (q) may beany integers can be introduced into a composite or on its surface (orany combination thereof). Each of these electrodes may have any threedimensional shape, and may form any desired pattern or patterns. Theelectrode configurations C1, D1, E1; C2, D2, E2; . . . etc. may bechosen to be distributed in any manner within or on the surface of acomposite. In certain embodiments, these electrode may be chosen tooverlap, and in some embodiments, can be made to make electrical contact(for example, for redundancy purposes).

As one preferred embodiment of the invention described above, pleaserefer to FIG. 7 that shows one embodiment of the invention. A portion ofan aircraft body 302 has intelligent patch 304 monitoring systemcovering hole 305 in the body of the aircraft.

FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of the invention. Aircraft body 322 hasa top surface identified as 324 and the aircraft body 322 has a hole 326through the aircraft body. Alternatively, aircraft body could be calleda fuselage. Intelligent patch 328 adheres to portions of the aircraftbody in a manner to completely cover the hole 326.

Electrical current 330 is passed through the intelligent patchmonitoring system between first current conducting electrode 332 andsecond current conducting electrode 334. The M×N array of voltagemeasurement electrodes 336 is fabricated within the patch and is largeenough so that the M×N array of those electrodes physically covers thehole 326. Electrodes are identified as E (m, n). Here m is an integerranging from 1 to M. Here n is an integer ranging from 1 to N.

For example, the voltage difference may be selectively measured betweenElectrode (4765, 6037) and Electrode (5021, 8693) (not shown in FIG. 8for brevity). As described earlier, the voltage differential betweenpairs may be measured. In any event, in certain embodiments, the voltagefrom any Electrode (m, n) is available from measurement and processingmeans 338. Furthermore, said measurement and processing means 338 mayprovide any type of electrical processing (such as phase sensitivedetection), filtering, computation, storage, manipulation, or any othernecessary function to provide information from any electrode, or pairsof electrodes, or any other combination of electrodes as desired.Selected types of electrical processing are described in Composite-2,that are incorporated herein by reference.

In one embodiment, the processed information is sent by data transmitterdevice 340 to a remote data receiver 342. In one embodiment describedabove, cell phone technology is implemented for the data transmitterdevice 340 and the remote data receiver 342. As described in oneembodiment, the data receiver receives the ID for the intelligent patchand a code indicating that human inspection is needed as describedabove. Several different codes could be transmitted as needed, eachproviding different messages, including one indicating that acatastrophe is imminent, and the plane must be landed ASAP forinspection.

As described above, the power source chosen for the intelligent patch isshown as element 344 in FIG. 8. As described above, there are manyalternatives.

In one embodiment, electrical current 330 is DC current. In anotherembodiment, electrical current 330 is AC current. In yet anotherembodiment, electrical current 330 may have any waveform in timedesired. These different waveforms, and how they are measured aredescribed in detail in U.S. Ser. No. 13/966,172 (Composite-2), that isincorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

For the purposes of making the intelligent patch herein described, otherselected embodiments of the invention incorporate the relevant differenttypes of physical measurements defined in U.S. Provisional PatentApplication 61/270,709, filed Jul. 9, 2010, an entire copy of which isincorporated herein by reference. For example, such physicalmeasurements include acoustic transmitters and receivers, ultrasonictransmitters and receivers, phased array ultrasonics, thermosonics, aircoupled ultrasonics, acoustic resonance techniques, x-ray techniques,radiography, thermal wave imaging, thermography and shearography. Thesecited physical measurements, and selected additional physicalmeasurements described in the References incorporated into thisdocument, may be used to make the basic sensors of a real timeelectronics system measurement means fabricated within an intelligentpatch of the fuselage of an aircraft made of fiber-reinforced compositematerials to detect the onset of compression induced micro-fracturing ofsaid fiber-reinforced composite materials to prevent the catastrophicfailure of said portion of said aircraft. These cited physicalmeasurements, and selected additional physical measurements described inthe References incorporated into this document, may be used to make thebasic sensors of a real time electronics system measurement meansfabricated within an intelligent patch of the fuselage of an aircraftmade of any type of material to prevent the catastrophic failure of saidportion of said aircraft. Several additional physical measurementsdescribed in the References in this document include a variety ofdifferent optical measurements, including fiber-optic measurements, thatare used to make a number of different types of fiber-optic sensors. Anynumber of sensors, using different physical measurement processes, maybe fabricated within a particular intelligent patch. The sensors may bedistributed within any portion of the three dimensional intelligentpatch —in its interior, or on its surface, or any combination thereof.

As an example of the above paragraph, one preferred embodiment of theinvention is comprised of an intelligent patch having two types ofsensors: (a) sensors based upon measurement of the electrical resistancebetween electrodes disposed in an M×N array as previously described; and(b) ultrasonic transmitters and receivers distributed within a G×H array(G and H integers) which in some embodiments, may be chosen to providephased array ultrasonic information. One embodiment of this may becalled the resistance-ultrasonic embodiment.

In this resistance-ultrasonic embodiment, the electrical resistancemeasurements provide high resolution indications of the presence orabsence of microcracks forming in real time. The ultrasonic informationprovides information with a resolution of approximately the wavelengthof the ultrasonic waves produced by the ultrasonic transmitters. In theevent that the ultrasonic transmitters and receivers are arranged in aphased-array, then yet additional information may be obtained in realtime.

In one such resistance-ultrasonic embodiment, the electrical resistancemeasurements and the ultrasonics measurements are used to provide a realtime data image that will detect the onset of any microcracks forming inreal time, will determine whether or not the microcracks have begun the“swarming” process, will monitor the “swarming” process in real time,and will monitor the evolution of larger structural defects within thefuselage and or the intelligent patch.

In relation to FIG. 8, the following numerals followed with A are notshown, but are modified so as to function with the resistance-ultrasonicembodiment. Measurement and processing means 338A may provide any typeof electrical processing (such as phase sensitive detection), filtering,computation, storage, manipulation, or any other necessary function toprovide information from any electrode, or pairs of electrodes, or anyother combination of electrodes as desired.

In this preferred resistance-ultrasonic embodiment, processing means338A is designed to provide the processed information. In turn, thatprocessed information is sent by data transmitter device 340A to aremote data receiver 342A. In one embodiment described above, cell phonetechnology is implemented for the data transmitter device 340A and theremote data receiver 342A. In one embodiment, the data receiver receivesthe ID for the intelligent patch and a code indicating that humaninspection is needed as described above. Several different codes couldbe transmitted as needed, each providing different messages, includingone indicating that a catastrophe is imminent, and the plane must belanded ASAP for inspection.

Differential measurements to measure resistance using Electrodes C, Dand E illustrate an important point in FIG. 5 of Composite-2. ElectrodeA causes current to flow into the composite under test. The voltagedifference between C and D is measured (V1) and the voltage differencebetween D and E is also measured (V2). Then the difference between thesetwo is taken yielding V3. The measurement of V3 is an example of themeasurement of a “differential experimental quantity”. By virtue of itsconstruction, it provides information about the vicinity of the materialnear electrodes C, D, and E (but not A and B), and such measurements areintrinsically immune from external “common mode noise signals” such asan AC magnetic field at 60 Hz.

Any of the above mentioned physical measurements may be measured as a“differential experiential quantity”. For example, suppose acousticsource a is located within the test composite material. Then, acousticsensors c, d, and e are disposed within the material. No figure isshown, but the logic here is in close analogy with FIG. 5. The acousticsensors provide voltages in time related to the acoustic waves passingby each sensor. Then, the voltage difference v1 can be taken between cand d, and the voltage different v2 can be taken between D and E. Then,the voltage difference between v2 and v1 may be taken producing v3 thatis a differential measurement of the acoustic properties in the vicinityof sensors c, d and e. Often the literature suggests that the sensors c,d, and e should be physically separated by a wavelength of the acousticenergy (or more). This is true if a “far field” simple interpretation ofthe data is desired. But that is not necessary. If the distance ofseparation of the acoustic sensors is smaller than the acousticwavelength, differential information will still be obtained regardingthe local detailed structure and changes in the local detailed structureof the material in the vicinity of sensors c, d, e. In the case at hand,this is often the preferred information indicating an advance indicationof material failure. By analogy, any of the previously defined physicalmeasurements may be measured on material in the form of a “differentialexperimental quantity” that provides the basis for many preferredembodiments of the invention.

In another embodiment, an intelligent patch to cover a specific damagedarea of the fuselage of an airplane to repair the damaged area is madefrom a synthetic fiber comprising an optic-fiber component. Thefiber-optic component may be located outside of an inner carbon fibercore, or a woven carbon fiber layer may surround the fiber-opticcomponent. In either case, the transparent component is adapted to carryan optical signal and the carbon fiber material to provide strength.Together the components make a synthetic fiber that is used to make afiber-reinforced composite material, which resulting composite materialis used as an element of a fiber-optic system to measure, monitor, anddetermine the condition of the fiber reinforced material. In onescenario, the synthetic fiber may be made by placing a carbon fiberfilament in a bath of epoxy to form a transparent layer over the carbonfiber filament. The temperature, viscosity and rate or time at which thefilament is in the bath is relevant to the characteristics of thetransparent layer.

In another embodiment, an intelligent patch to cover a specific damagedarea of the fuselage of an airplane to repair said specific damaged areais made from a carbon fiber-reinforced polymer material comprising acarbon fiber filament with an electrically conducting outer materialsurrounding an inner carbon fiber material. Optionally, an insulatinglayer may be added over the electrically conducting material. Theresulting fiber-reinforced composite material is also used as an elementof an electronic sensor system to measure, monitor, and determine thecondition of the fiber reinforced material. Alternatively, a wovencarbon fiber layer may be positioned around the conducting material.

In a further embodiment, an intelligent patch to cover a specificdamaged area of the fuselage of an airplane to repair said specificdamaged area is made from a material having a distribution ofpre-determined different densities of carbon fiber materials. Morespecifically, more dense carbon fiber materials conduct electricitybetter than less dense carbon fiber materials. In addition, conductivepaths forming waveguides for trapped acoustic waves may be formed in amaterial with variable density carbon fiber materials. The resultingmaterial may be used as an element of an acoustic sensor system tomeasure, monitor, and determine the condition of the new type offiber-reinforced material.

It is evident from the description that there are many variations of theinvention.

The foregoing discussion of the disclosure has been presented forpurposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intendedto limit the disclosure to the form or forms disclosed herein. In theforegoing Detailed Description for example, various features of thedisclosure are grouped together in one or more embodiments for thepurpose of streamlining the disclosure. This method of disclosure is notto be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed disclosurerequires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather,as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than allfeatures of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment. Thus, the followingclaims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with eachclaim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of thedisclosure.

Moreover, though the present disclosure has included description of oneor more embodiments and certain variations and modifications, othervariations and modifications are within the scope of the disclosure,e.g., as may be within the skill and knowledge of those in the art,after understanding the present disclosure. It is intended to obtainrights which include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted,including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures,functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not suchalternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions,ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publiclydedicate any patentable subject matter.

REFERENCES Patent Literature

The following patents and published patent applications are related tofiber, reinforced and/or composite materials relevant to aircraft. Eachis incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

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Giacoletto, © 1977, McGraw-Hill Book Company.-   The book entitled the “IC Op-Amp Cookbook”, Third Edition, by    Walter J. Jung, © 1986, Howard W. Sams & Company.-   The book entitled “Introductory Electronics for Scientists and    Engineers”, by Robert E. Simpson, © 1974, Allyn and Bacon, Inc. of    Boston.-   The book entitled “Electronics for Scientists—Principles and    Experiments for Those Who Use Instruments”, by H.V. Malmstadt    and C. G. Enke, © 1962, W. A. Benjamin, Inc. of New York.-   The book entitled the “American Institute of Physics Handbook”,    Second Edition, Edited by Dwight E. Gray, Ph.D., © 1963, McGraw-Hill    Book Company.-   The book entitled “The Encyclopedia of Physics”, Second Edition,    Edited by Robert M. Basancon, © 1974, Van Nostrand Reinhold Company.-   The book entitled “Van Nostrand's Scientific Encyclopedia”, Fifth    Edition, Edited by Douglas M. Considine, © 1976, Van Nostrand    Reinhold Company.-   The book entitled “Handbook of Physics”, Second Edition, Edited by    E.U. Condon and Hugh Odishaw, © 1967, McGraw-Hill Book Company.-   The book entitled “Handbook of Physics”, Second Edition, by B.    Yavorsky and A. Detlaf, © 1975, translated from Russian by Nicholas    Weinstein, English translation published by Mir Publishers, Moscow.-   The book entitled “Physics, Physical Science Study Committee”, ©    1960, Library of Congress Catalog Card Number 60-13412, D.C. Heath    and Company.-   The book entitled “Modern Physics” by Dull, Metcalfe and Williams, ©    1960, Henry Holt and Company.-   The book entitled “Experiments in Modern Physics”, by Adrian C.    Melissinos, © 1966, Academic Press Inc.-   The book entitled “Theory and Problems of Modern Physics”, Gautreau    and Savin, Schaum's Outline Series, © 1978, McGraw-Hill, Inc.-   The book entitled “Applied Physics”, Third Edition, Arthur Beiser,    Schaum's Outline Series, © 1995, McGraw-Hill, Inc.-   The book entitled “A Physicist's Desk Reference”, “Second Edition of    Physics Vade Mecum”, Edited by Herbert L. Anderson, © 1989,    Springer-Verlag.-   The book entitled “Theoretical Physics”, Third Edition, by Georg    Joos, © 1964, Hafner Publishing Company, New York-   The book entitled “Experimental Atomic Physics” by Harnwell and    Livingood, @ 1933, McGraw-Hill Book Company.-   The book entitled “Concepts in Electricity and Magnetism”, by Reuben    Benumof, © 1961, Holt, Rinehart and Winston, Inc.-   The book entitled “Modern Optical Engineering, The Design of Optical    Systems”, by Warren J. Smith, © 1966, McGraw-Hill Book Company.-   The book entitled “The Handbook of Optics”, Edited by Walter G.    Driscoll, Sponsored by the Optical Society of America, © 1978,    McGraw-Hill, Inc.-   The book entitled “Introduction to Modern Optics”, by Grant R.    Flowles, © 1968, Holt, Rinehart and Winston, Inc.-   The book entitled “Fluid Mechanics and Hydraulics”, Third Edition,    Shaum's Outline Series, Giles, Evett, and Liu, © 1994, McGraw-Hill    Companies Inc.-   The book entitled “Fundamental of Fluid Mechanics”, Fifth Edition,    Munson, Young, Okiishi, © 2006, John Wiley & Sons, Inc.-   The book entitled “The Acoustical Foundations of Music, Musical    sound; its properties, production, behavior and reproduction”,    Second Edition, by John Backus, © 1977, W. W. Norton & Company, Inc.-   The book entitled “Principles of the Theory of Solids”, J. M. Ziman,    © 1965, Cambridge at the University Press.-   The book entitled “Introduction to Solid State Physics”, Fifth    Edition, by Charles Kittel, © 1976, John Wiley & Sons.-   The book entitled “Classical Dynamics of Particles and Systems”,    Jerry B. Marion, © 1965, Academic Press.-   The book entitled “Light-Sensitive Systems: Chemistry and    Application of Nonsilver Halide Photographic Processes”, by Jaromir    Kosar, © 1965, John Wiley & Sons.-   The book entitled “Photochromism”, that is Volume III in the Series    called “Techniques of Chemistry”, Edited by Glenn H. Brown, © 1971,    Wiley-Interscience, a Division of John Wiley & Sons, Inc.-   The book entitled “Lange's Handbook of Chemistry”, Twelfth Edition,    Edited by John A. Dean, © 1979, McGraw-Hill Book Company.-   The book entitled “Practical Instrumentation Transducers” by    Frank J. Oliver, © 1971, Hayden Book Company.-   The book entitled “Formulas for Natural Frequency and Mode Shape”,    Robert D. Blevins Ph.D., © 1984, ISBN 0-89874-791-0, Robert E.    Kreiger Publishing Company.-   The book entitled “Transmission Systems for Communications”, Fifth    Edition, © 1982, Members of the Staff, Bell Telephone Laboratories,    Inc.-   The book entitled “Fields and Waves in Communications Electronics”,    Second Edition, Ramo, Whinnery and Van Duzer, © 1984, John Wiley &    Sons.-   The book entitled “Antennas in Matter, Fundamental, Theory, and    Applications”, by King, Smith, Owens and Wu, © 1981, ISBN    0-262-11074-1, The MIT Press, Cambridge, Mass.-   The book entitled “Advanced Lithium-Ion Batteries (New Materials for    Sustainable Energy and Development) by Dr. Abbas Nazri.-   The book entitled “Battery Management Systems for Large Lithium-Ion    Battery Packs” by David Andrea.-   The book entitled “Lithium-Ion Batteries: Science and Technologies”    by Yoship et. al-   The book entitled “Process Instruments and Controls Handbook”, Third    Edition, Edited by Douglas M. Considine, © 1985, McGraw-Hill Book    Company.-   The book entitled “Feedback and Control Systems”, Second Edition,    Schaum's Outline Series, by Distefano III, Stubberud and Williams, ©    1990, McGraw-Hill Book Company.-   The book entitled “Strength of Materials”, Fourth Edition, Schaum's    Outline Series by William Nash, © 1998, McGraw-Hill Book Company.-   The book entitled “Developments in Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (Frp)    Composites for Civil Engineering”, part of the Woodhead Publishing    Series in Civil and Structural Engineering, by Nasim Uddin, ISBN    9780857092342.-   The book entitled “Fiber-Reinforced Composites: Materials,    Manufacturing, and Design”, by P. K. Mallick, © 2007, CRC Press.-   The book entitled “Stress Analysis of Fiber-reinforced Composite    Materials”, by Michael W. Haywer, © 2008, Destech Publications, Inc.    available through Powell's Books.-   The book entitled “Fatigue of Fiber-Reinforced Composites    (Engineering Materials and Processes”, by Anastasios P.    Vassilopoulos, © 2011, Springer Publishers.-   The book entitled “RF Measurements for Cellular Phones and Wireless    Data Systems”, by Allen W. Scott and Rex Frobenius, © 2013,    Wiley-IEEE Press.-   The book entitled “Practical Radio Frequency Test and Measurement: A    Technician's Handbook”, by Joseph Carr, © 1999, Newnes (the    Publisher), ISBN 978-0750671613.-   The book entitled “RF Circuit Design, Second Edition”, by Bowick,    Ajluni, and Blyer, © 2007, Newnes (the Publisher), ISBN    978-0750685184-   The book entitled “Complete Wireless Design”, by Cotter Sayer, ©    2008, McGraw-Hill Professional.-   The book entitled “RF Microelectronics, Second Edition”, by Behzad    Razavi, © 2011, Prentice Hall-   The book entitled “Real-Time Digital Signal Processing from MATLAB®    to C with the TMS320C6x DSPs, Second Edition”, Thad B. Welch, ©    2011, CRC Press.-   The book entitled “Practical RF System Design”, by William F. Egan,    © 2003, Wiley-IEEE Press.-   The book entitled “Microprocessors and Microcontrollers:    Architecture, Programming and System Design 8085, 8086, 8051, 8096”,    by Krishna Kant, © 2013, PHI Learning Private Limited (the    Publisher).-   The book entitled “IBM Dictionary of Computing”, IBM Corporation    (the Author), © 1994, McGraw-Hill Osborne Media (the Publisher),    ISBN 978-0070314894.-   The book entitled “Dictionary of Computer Science, Engineering and    Technology”, Philip A. Laplante, © 2000, CRC Press.-   The book entitled “McGraw-Hill Dictionary of Electrical & Computer    Engineering”, McGraw-Hill (the Author), © 2004, McGraw-Hill    Professional.-   The book entitled “IEEE Standard Dictionary of Electrical and    Electronics Terms, Fourth Edition, © 1988, Institute of Electrical &    Electronics Engineers (the Author) ISBN 978-1559370004.-   The book entitled “IEEE Standard Dictionary of Electrical and    Electronics Terms”, Sixth Edition, © 1997, Institute of Electrical &    Electronics Engineers (the Author), ISBN 978-1559378338.-   The book entitled “Basic Antennas: Understanding Practical Antennas    and Design”, by Joel R. Hallas, © 2009, Amateur Radio Relay League,    ISBN 978-087259994.-   The book entitled “Computer Manual in MATLAB to Accompany Pattern    Classification”, Second Edition, by David G. Stork and Elad Yo-Tov,    © 2004, Wiley-Interscience.-   The book entitled “Neural Networks for Pattern Recognition”, by    Christopher M. Bishop, © 1996, Oxford University Press.-   The book entitled “Pattern Recognition”, by Serqios Theodorids and    Konstantinos Koutroumbas, © 2008, Academic Press.-   The book entitled “Pattern Recognition and Machine Learning” by    Christopher M. Bishop, © 2007, Springer.-   The book entitled “Digital Image Processing”, Third Edition, © 2007,    Prentice Hall.-   The book entitled “Scientific Charge-Coupled Devices (SPIE Press    Monograph Vol. PM83)”, James R. Janesick, © 2001, SPE Press    Monograph, ISBN 978-0819436986.-   The book entitled “C Algorithms for Real-Time DSP”, Paul Embree, ©    1995, Prentice Hall.-   The book entitled “Basic Radio: Understanding the Key Building    Blocks”, Joel R. Hallas, © 2005, American Radio Relay League, ISBN    978-0872599550.-   The book entitled “Array and Phased Array Antenna Basics”,    Hubregt J. Visser, © 2005, Wiley.-   The book entitled “Phased Array Antenna Handbook”, Second Edition, ©    2005, Artech House Antennas and Propagation Library, ISBN    978-1580536899.-   The book entitled “Advanced Array Systems, Applications and RF    Technologies (Signal Processing and its Applications)”, Nicholas    Fourikis, © 2000, Academic Press.-   The book entitled “Practical Array Processing”, Mark Sullivan, ©    2008, McGraw-Hill Professional.-   The book entitled “Sensor Array Signal Processing”, Second Edition,    © 2009, CRC Press.-   The book entitled “Acoustic Array Systems: Theory, Implementation,    and Application”, by Mingsian Bai, Jeong-Guon Ih, and Jacob Benesty,    © 2013, Wiley-IEEE Press.-   The book entitled “Adaptive Filters: Theory and Applications”,    Second Edition, Behrouz Farhang-Borouleny, © 2013, Wiley.-   The book entitled “Detection, Estimation, and Modulation Theory,    Part I” Second Edition, Van Trees and Bell, © 2013, Wiley.-   The book entitled “Fundamentals of Statistical Signal Processing,    Volume III: Practical Algorithm Development”, Steven Kay, © 2013,    Prentice Hall.-   The book entitled “Discrete-Time Signal Processing”, Third Edition,    Oppenheim and Schafer, © 2009, Prentice Hall.-   The book entitled “Digital Signal Processing”, Second Edition,    Monson Hayes, © 2011, Schaum's Outline Series, McGraw-Hill.-   The book entitled “Modern Digital and Analog Communication Systems,    Lathi and Ding, © 2009, from the Oxford Series in Electrical and    Computer Engineering, Oxford University Press.-   The book entitled “Semiconductor Device Fundamentals”, Second    Edition, Robert F. Pierret, © 1996, Addison Wesley.-   The book entitled “Signals and Systems”, Second Edition, Oppenheim    and Willsky, © 1996, Prentice Hall.-   The book entitled “Computer Explorations in Signals and Systems    Using MATLAB”, Second Edition, Buck, Daniel and Singer, © 2001,    Prentice Hall.-   The book entitled “Probability, Random Variables, and Random    Processes”, Second Edition, © 2010, Schaum's Outline Series,    McGraw-Hill.-   The book entitled “Signals and Systems”, Second Edition, © 2010,    Schaum's Outline Series, McGraw-Hill.-   The book entitled “Understanding Digital Signal Processing”,    Richard G. Lyons, © 2010, Prentice Hall.-   The book entitled “Streamlining Digital Signal Processing: A tricks    of the Trade Guidebook”, Second Edition, Richard G. Lyons (Editor),    © 2012, Wiley-IEEE Press.-   The book entitled “The Scientists & Engineers Guide to Digital    Signal Processing”, Steven W. Smith, © 1997, California Technical    Publication, ISBN 978-0966017632.-   The book entitled “Mathematics of the Discreet Fourier Transform    (DFT): with Audio Applications—Second Edition”, by Julius O. Smith    III, © 2007, W3K Publishing, ISBN 978-0974560748.-   The book entitled “Fiber Optic Sensors: An Introduction for    Engineers and Scientists”, Udd and Spillman, Jr. (both Editors), ©    2011, Wiley.-   The book entitled “Fiber Optic Measurement Techniques”, Maurice    O'Sullivan, © 2008, Academic Press.-   The book entitled “Fiber Optic Test and Measurement”, Dennis    Derickson, © 1997, Prentice Hall.-   The book entitled “Fiber Optics”, Fourth Edition, by Jim Hayes, ©    2010, Cengage Learning (Publisher), ISBN 978-1435499652.-   The book entitled “Fiber Optic Reference Guide”, Third Edition,    David Goff, © 2002, Focal Press (Publisher), ISBN 978-0240804866.-   The book entitled “Introduction to Fiber Optics”, Third Edition,    Crisp and Elliott, © 2005, Newnes (Publisher), ISBN 978-0750667562.-   The book entitled “Wireless Crash Course”, Second Edition, Paul    Bedell, © 2005, McGraw-Hill Professional.-   The book entitled “Experimental Methods in RF Design”, Revised First    Edition, Wayward, et. al. 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While the above description contains many specificities, these shouldnot be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, butrather as exemplification of preferred embodiments thereto. As have beenbriefly described, there are many possible variations. Accordingly, thescope of the invention should be determined not only by the embodimentsillustrated, but by any appended claims and their legal equivalents thatwill eventually issue in a relevant patent or patents.

What is claimed is:
 1. An intelligent patch for repairing a damaged areaof the fuselage of an airplane made of a fiber-reinforced compositematerial, said intelligent patch comprising first electronic sensor tomeasure, monitor, and determine the condition of said intelligent patchand said repaired area of said fuselage and wherein said firstelectronic sensor comprises a second selected electronic sensor thatmeasures and determines the onset of compression induced microfractureswithin said intelligent patch and said repaired area of said fuselage,and first electronic communication means to communicate information fromsaid first electronic sensor to at least one location.
 2. Theintelligent patch in claim 1 wherein said first electronic sensorcomprises a third selected electronic sensor that measures anddetermines the evolution of said microfractures to detect the conditionof swarming of said compression induced microfractures prior tocatastrophic failure of said specific damaged area of said fuselage. 3.The intelligent patch in claim 2 wherein said first electroniccommunication means is used to issue an alarm signal to said at leastone location to indicate the condition of swarming of the compressioninduced microfractures within said damaged area during flight of saidairplane.
 4. The intelligent patch in claim 2 wherein said thirdselected sensor comprises sensors to measure the electronic signals froma phased array of acoustic sensors disposed within the intelligent patchcovering said damaged area of the fuselage.
 5. The intelligent patch inclaim 2 wherein said third selected sensor comprises sensors to measurethe electronic signals from fiber optic sensors disposed within theintelligent patch covering said damaged area of the fuselage.
 6. Theintelligent patch in claim 1 wherein said second selected sensorcomprises sensors to measure the resistance between an array ofelectrodes disposed within the intelligent patch covering said damagedarea of the fuselage.
 7. The intelligent patch in claim 1 comprising afourth electronic sensor to measure small imperfections in the conditionof said intelligent patch and said repaired area of said fuselage, andfifth electronic sensor to measure larger imperfections in the conditionof said intelligent patch and said repaired area of said fuselage,wherein said small imperfections have dimensions of 0.0010 inch orsmaller and wherein said larger imperfections have dimensions of 0.0011inch or larger.
 8. An intelligent patch to cover a specific damaged areaof the fuselage of an airplane to repair said specific damaged area,said fuselage made of a fiber-reinforced composite material, saidintelligent patch comprising at least one of a first sensor selectedfrom the group comprising an electrical resistance sensor means, phasedarray acoustic sensor means, phased array ultrasonic sensor means,phased array shearography sensors, phased array acoustic resonancesensors, phased array thermography sensors, X-ray sensors andfiber-optic sensors for detecting imperfections of a first size, and asecond sensor selected from the group comprising acoustic sensors,ultrasonic sensor, shearography sensors, acoustic resonance sensors,thermography sensors, thermography sensor means, and thermal wave guidesensors for detecting imperfections of a second size, where the secondsize is larger than the first size.
 9. An intelligent patch to cover aspecific damaged area of the fuselage of an airplane to repair saidspecific damaged area, said fuselage made of carbon fiber-reinforcedpolymer material, said intelligent patch comprising a carbon fiberfilament having a transparent component, wherein the transparentcomponent is adapted to carry an optical signal and is also used as anelement of a fiber-optic system to measure, monitor, and determine thecondition of the fiber reinforced material.
 10. The intelligent patch ofclaim 9, wherein the transparent component is one of an outer coatingapplied to the carbon fiber filament or a transparent filament with awoven carbon fiber outer layer.
 11. An intelligent patch to cover aspecific damaged area of the fuselage of an airplane to repair saidspecific damaged area, said fuselage made of carbon fiber-reinforcedpolymer material, said intelligent patch comprising a distribution ofpre-determined different densities of carbon fiber materials that formswaveguides for trapped acoustic waves, which material is also used as anelement of an acoustic sensor system to measure, monitor, and determinethe condition of the new type of fiber-reinforced material.